How Long Do I Have to File a Slip and Fall Lawsuit?

There are important deadlines for every type of legal claim. Injury claims involving slip and fall accidents are no exception.

If you have sustained an injury on another person’s property after a fall, you could have a claim against them for damages. That said, if you fail to act quickly, you could lose out forever on your ability to pursue the claim.

In general, you have two years from the date a slip and fall occurs to bring a lawsuit in British Columbia. Like with many procedural issues, there are exceptions to this general rule.

To avoid the steep consequences that come with missing this deadline, contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.

Below, we explain the time limits for slip and fall claims in BC, what happens if you miss them, and why speaking to a lawyer early can protect your rights.

Overview of Time Limits for Slip and Fall Claims in BC

The legal term for the deadline to file a lawsuit is known as the statute of limitations.

Most slip and fall injury claims in British Columbia arise from unsafe property conditions and are brought under the Occupiers’ Liability Act. This legislation sets out the legal duty that property owners and occupiers owe to people entering their premises, including the obligation to take reasonable steps to ensure the property is safe.

While the Occupiers’ Liability Act governs who may be liable and why, the Limitation Act operates in the background to determine how long an injured person has to start a lawsuit.

In most cases, a slip and fall lawsuit must be filed within two years of the date the claim is discovered.

A claim is generally considered discovered when the injured person knew, or reasonably ought to have known, that:

• They were injured,
• The injury was caused by an unsafe condition or someone’s failure to maintain the property, and
• A legal claim would be an appropriate way to seek compensation.

The Limitation Act also contains rules that may suspend or extend the limitation period in limited circumstances, such as when the injured person is a minor or lacks legal capacity. These exceptions are narrow and fact-specific and should not be assumed to apply automatically.

Importantly, some slip and fall claims, particularly those involving municipal or government-owned property, are subject to additional notice requirements that apply even if the two-year limitation period has not expired.

Falls on City or Municipal Property

Slip and fall claims involving municipal or government-owned property such as a city sidewalk or public park, are subject to additional procedural requirements.

In addition to the statute of limitations, you must also comply with a special notice requirement that only applies to cases against the government.

To satisfy this notice requirement, you must notify the government entity through the appropriate channels of your intention to file a claim. This notification must occur within 60 days of the injury, and it must be in writing.

If you do not comply, you could lose your ability to bring a claim forever.

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?

Missing a legal deadline can have serious consequences.

If you file your slip and fall lawsuit after the applicable limitation period has expired, the court may dismiss your claim entirely, often at the request of the defendant’s lawyer as soon as your late claim is filed.

Insurance companies and defendants routinely rely on missed deadlines to deny claims, regardless of how serious the injuries may be, and once the limitation period passes, you typically lose the legal right to pursue compensation.

Example: If you slip on an icy sidewalk in January 2026, you may generally have until January 2028 to start a lawsuit, but if that sidewalk is owned by a city, written notice may be required by March 2026, just 60 days after the fall.

Why You Should Not Wait to Contact a Lawyer

Waiting too long to speak with a lawyer after a slip and fall can put your entire claim at risk.

Important evidence can be lost, witnesses’ memories can fade, and surveillance footage or maintenance records may be destroyed or overwritten if no one moves quickly to preserve them.

Acting early also gives your lawyer the time needed to investigate what happened, gather medical and property records, consult experts if necessary, and file your claim before any limitation periods or notice deadlines expire.

Even if you are unsure whether you want to start a lawsuit, an early consultation can help you understand your rights and avoid mistakes that could permanently limit your ability to recover compensation.

How Preszler Injury Lawyers Can Help Your Slip and Fall Claim

Preszler Injury Lawyers help injured people navigate the legal process from the earliest stages of a slip and fall claim. The firm can:

• Determine which limitation period applies to your specific claim and explain how it affects your options.
• Prepare and send any required municipal or government notices within strict deadlines.
• Take steps to preserve surveillance footage, photographs, maintenance records, and witness evidence.
• Communicate and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf so you are not dealing with adjusters alone.
• Prepare and file the Notice of Civil Claim and other court documents within the required time limits.

If you were injured in a slip and fall accident in British Columbia, speaking with a lawyer at Preszler Injury Lawyers as early as possible can help protect your right to pursue compensation.

Call us at 1-844-373-8202 or contact us online to book your free consultation.

We’re here to help.